Bellingham, Washington — In a late Tuesday night meeting the Bellingham #NoDAPL Coalition unanimously voiced disappointment in the announcement to grant easement by the U.S. Department of the Army for the Dakota Access Pipeline. The Bellingham #NoDAPL Coalition vowed to continue solidarity actions to bring awareness to issues impacting Mother Earth, Tribal Sovereignty, and Indigenous people’s rights. In addition, the Bellingham #NoDAPL along with other local grassroots coalitions will keep up local fights against fascism and stay the course to build a better community.

Michelle Vendiola, Bellingham #NoDAPL Coalition organizer stated, “This decision is a travesty that highlights not only bad decision making by the current U.S. Government’s administration, but emphasizes over 160 years of continuously unmet Treaty obligation. The U.S. Government has consistently violated its own agreements.” The Coalition voiced strong concern for the current administration’s disregard for timely and meaningful Tribal consultation. They vowed to challenge the decision, by any means necessary, to support the Standing Rock community that will be impacted by the easement decision.

“The Tribe will challenge any easement decision on the grounds that the EIS was wrongfully terminated. The Tribe will demand a fair, accurate and lawful environmental impact statement to identify true risks to its treaty rights, including its water supply and sacred places.

The Tribe has asked the court for DAPL to disclose is oil spill and risk assessment records for full transparency and review by the public.

If DAPL is successful in constructing and operating the pipeline, the Tribe will seek to shut the pipeline operations down.

A Native Nations march on Washington is scheduled for March 10. The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and tribes across the country invite allies in America and from around the world to join the march.”

The Bellingham #NoDAPL Coalition has plans underway for a community action planned for Friday, February 10, 2017. Community members who are interested in participating are encouraged to follow developing announcements on the Coalition’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bellinghamnodapl/